By Abby Schuman
My name is Abby Schuman, and I’m thrilled to be interning with ASA this summer. I’m a senior at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in political science and philosophy. Thus far, this internship has been truly wonderful, and I have already learned a great deal – just in my first few weeks. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been invited on the ASA trip to D.C., where I had the opportunity to learn more about the association and the incredible people involved.
On the first day, we went on a tour of the U.S. Capitol. It was my first-time experiencing Capitol Hill up close and personal, and it was quite an adventure. Capitol Hill was bustling with activity, and its rich history is fascinating. Meeting the members of ASA was also a new experience for me. Josh Umar, the Executive Director of ASA’s Arizona chapter, shared captivating fun facts during the tour, which made the experience even more incredible. While the tour itself was great, my favorite part was getting to know the stories and individuals who lead and cultivate the American Subcontractors Association. I had the pleasure of meeting people from my home state of Colorado, as well as from New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, and more. Each person welcomed me warmly and were willing to share their wealth of knowledge about the subcontracting field.
On the second day, we had the opportunity to visit the Senate and the House of Representatives. We engaged in discussions with members of Congress and their staff, including Representative Fitzpatrick (R-PA), regarding the current realities of subcontracting. I followed Kate Schramm, a member of ASA’s Government Relations Team, as we attended different meetings. She graciously answered my questions and shared insights about the buildings where she once worked. I gained valuable knowledge on important bills like H.R. 2726 and 1740, which highlighted the significance of change orders and bonding. These concepts were completely new to me, but I’ve learned so much about them, particularly how piling up change orders can make or break a company due to personal financing. Throughout these meetings, individuals from different states took the lead in sharing their own experiences and perspectives, highlighting the necessary changes to enhance the subcontracting process with the government. Listening to their personal stories made this trip worthwhile and an incredible experience. Every person contributed valuable knowledge and insights about their realities.
Overall, the trip to D.C. was enlightening in many ways. I’ve learned a great deal about the ASA community and the current climate in the subcontracting field. I’m sincerely grateful for the time I’ve spent with the ASA members, and am invigorated to expand my understanding of legislative issues in subcontracting through these experiences. Every person I met was captivating and kind. I’m looking forward to seeing how these bills progress, and I wish all the individuals I met the very best. Thank you so much for allowing me to join your team and learn more about the challenges in the subcontracting community, as well as introducing me to some of the remarkable members of the association.
